For a combined 40+ years of experience, BuildaBridge and the Georgia E, Gregory Interdenominational School of Music (GEGISOM) have been using the arts to help improve the present and future of youth in Philadelphia. In the past, GEGISOM hosted BuildaBridge at the Alleghany Arts Festival and provided music less to our Orchestral Dialogues program. In the last two years, GEGISOM received some professional development training in trauma-informed art-making from BuildaBridg. The two non-profits have been looking to partner to address gun-violence in Philadelphia. This late-February, GEGISOM and BuildaBridge will team up to provide a unique art-making opportunity.
GEGISOM and BuildaBridge will be partnering to provide a theater-based master class on social change. Led by BuildaBridge Restorative Teaching Artist Parker Sera and GEGISOM Teaching Artist Jade Spence.
More than ever, youth need a safe space to create and imagine, away from the mounting violence found in Philadelphia streets. It is both in the hopes of BuildaBridge and GEGISOM to provide an opportunity for youth to craft a deeply resonating and hope-infused message to the community that can be shared city-wide. GEGISOM's service focuses on the Nicetown and Juniata neighborhoods which have been plagued by violence and this opportunity to collaborate comes at an extremely important time.
